Such work requires that the laborers be grounded in a Godly faith that has historic roots, engages with the tensions of contemporary life and is able to hold fast to a living hope.¹ These three aspects of faith are the heart of today's reading from St. Paul's letter to the Hebrews: "Let mutual love continue… Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers… [God] has said 'I will never leave you or forsake you. So we can say with confidence,'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.'"

Triumph Victory's parishioners set up tables on the sidewalk every month and give away clothing to whoever needs it. They had filled the church basement with donated appliances in the spring. All but one stove were gone when I stood and looked yesterday. They have been given a building and are looking to make things better for the children in the neighborhood. Our used computer equipment will be of great use to them. They are not rich in things but they are mighty in the spirit, and they give freely from what they have received.

We did not go to Triumph Victory to show them how to do ministry. They have a powerful ministry already and it is an honor for us to be part of it. If anything, we can learn from them, so we came to share from our abundance… and to serve.

Some of us had met Bishop Swann and members of his congregation on the Extra-Mile walk from which we won the big fiberglass cow. You may have heard me speak of that victory with enthusiasm and point out that we raised more funds than the largest parish in Maryland. It is true that I am trying to provoke a competition -that I am pleased that we have the cow- and that I hope that we win it again.

But the reason I am pleased is not because we possess an outlandish trophy for a season. I am pleased because I hope that this huge, hoofed and inescapable symbol will remind us of what we have already done and encourage us to do more - for others.

In his letter to the Hebrews Paul points us away from a self-centered seeking after sensation and wealth. Instead Paul admonishes us to look out for others in the name of the ever faithful, ever constant Christ. What could the world look like if the energy we spend trying to get the best seats for ourselves in life was re-directed toward making life better for more of God's children?

All three lessons this morning call us away from self-centered living and into that larger life that one encounters when one is "other" directed. The author of Ecclesiasticus gives a cautionary tale. He speaks of the transitory nature of power and the destructive effects of arrogance and pride.

He shines his light on the work of nations but alludes to the shadows that lurk within us all. Pride can cause us to stand alone, forsaking our relationship with God and turning our backs on our neighbors. But time is short. We come from dust and to dust we shall return. "How can dust and ashes be proud?" asks the author of Ecclesiasticus.

We do not have time to cut ourselves off from one another. We have but moments on this earth. How then shall we live? How much time are we willing to sacrifice to stances that diminish one another and dim our vision of God?

Pride and anger are passionate cousins, and there is a certain thrill that comes from travelling in their company. But such relations are like the Montigues and Capulets. In the end of that story love is gone and all the main characters are dead. Surely love is more to be treasured than pride? Surely praying for those who trouble us is better than fighting. And isn't reconciliation a drink far sweeter than the poison of anger?

The fate of nations begins with the hearts of individuals. If, one by one, we turn from self-interest and look for justice for all we will discover the fuller extent of the family of God. When we truly seek to do the work to which God calls us, we discover that strangers have become friends and that God is drawing nearer to us all.

The relationships we are forming here, in Collington Square and elsewhere are the heart of the matter. Think back to the last baptism you witnessed. Just before we poured the water of baptism into the font, we made a waterfall of words. We promised that we would seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves. We promised to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. We promised to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

We walked the Extra Mile walk in Collington Square to live out those promises, not to win a prize. We raised funds for ministry so that we could walk the walk of baptized Christians not just talk the talk. We collected computers and took them to Triumph Victory church because they had a mission in the name of Christ and we could be of service. We have only just begun. God has far more in store for us. Let us open our hearts to the power of the spirit moving through this place.

There is no question of scarcity. Give to the work of the church. Fuel this ministry that God is calling us to do- in and from St. James. We have more than enough and a place at the table has already been prepared for us. It does not matter if we are first or last. It does not matter if we sit on a gilded throne or a cardboard box. What matters is being at the banquet- being with God at that victory feast- and being there for others in this life.

It does not matter if one lives in a mansion or in a rented room, all we go down to dust. What matters is to be right with God and to work so that we may be at peace with our neighbors. All people hunger and thirst for relationships with other people and with the divine. So when the last computer had been passed down the stairs we gathered in a circle at Triumph Victory, held each other's hands and we prayed. We thanked God for the gift of the day and for the chance to be together.

An outsider could have enumerated all the ways in which the people in the circle differed from one another, but those who were there know that we, all of us, were simply part of the body of Christ. At least in that moment we were one heart under God - an icon of how this nation might be, an image of hope for the world.

But that moment is like the cow, a symbol of a work in progress, not a sign of its completion. Victory is not complete. St. James is not complete. You and I are Christians under construction. We build on the foundation we have inherited from those who have spoken the word of God to us. Now, with saints and neighbors, we must walk the words we pray in Morning Prayer:

[O god] give us we pray such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. AMEN